Entertainment
Tribute to Ama Ata Aidoo: Africa’s literary icon, fear writer who inspired Burna Boy
Tribute to Ama Ata Aidoo: Africa’s literary icon, fear writer who inspired Burna Boy
Ama Ata Aidoo, the acclaimed Ghanaian author and poet whose words danced upon the page with eloquence and power, has passed away at the age of 81. Throughout her illustrious career, Aidoo’s literary contributions touched the hearts and minds of readers worldwide, painting vivid pictures of the African experience and challenging societal norms with unyielding courage.
One particular moment that encapsulated Aidoo’s indomitable spirit was her speech from her 1987 interview featured in the Afrobeat singer Burna Boy’s song, “Monsters You Made.” In this powerful anthem popularly titled “What would the world be without Africa?” Aidoo’s voice reverberated, intertwining with Burna Boy’s electrifying music to deliver a resounding message of resilience and liberation.
In her speech, Aidoo spoke with unwavering conviction, confronting the monstrous systems of oppression that have plagued her beloved continent for centuries. Her words, infused with wisdom and grace, echoed through the lyrics, resonating deeply with listeners across the globe. Through her participation in this musical masterpiece, Aidoo showcased her unwavering dedication to amplifying the voices of the marginalized and bringing attention to the urgent issues that demanded attention.
But Aidoo’s impact extends far beyond this momentary collaboration. Born on 23 March 1942 in Abeadzi Kyiakor, near Saltpond, in the Central Region of Ghana, she blazed a trail as a fierce advocate for gender equality and social justice throughout her literary career. Her renowned novel, ‘Changes’ published in 1993, explored the complexities of a changing society, daring to challenge the norms and traditions that stifle progress.
Aidoo fearlessly ventured into uncharted literary territory, weaving narratives that highlighted the often-overlooked stories of African women. Through her celebrated works, including ‘Our Sister Killjoy’ and ‘Anowa’ Aidoo unapologetically exposed the layers of patriarchy, colonialism, and cultural tensions that constrained her society. With a masterful command of language, she wove these themes into a tapestry of beauty and resilience, empowering generations to question an
Beyond her written works, Aidoo was a trailblazer in the realm of education and activism. She championed the importance of education as a means of liberation, tirelessly advocating for the empowerment of African youth. Aidoo’s tenacity and intellect inspired countless individuals to dream beyond the constraints imposed upon them, sparking a fire of hope that continues to burn brightly today.
Over the course of her long and illustrious career, Aido continued to push the boundaries of African literature, experimenting with form and genre and tackling a wide range of social and political issues. Her works, which include novels, plays, and poetry, are characterized by their lyrical prose, incisive social commentary, and unflinching honesty.
She served as the Minister of Education in Ghana from 1982 to 1983, and later founded the Mbaasem Foundation, an organization that supports women’s writing in Africa.
As news of Aidoo’s passing spreads, tributes pour in from literary communities, scholars, and admirers around the world. Lola Shoneyin, a Nigerian author described Aidoo as her literary mother, a towering figure and feminist who taught her and always had the right words. She also sent condolences to her daughter Kinna Likimani who took after her mother’s footsteps becoming an editor and a literary critic.
Aidoo’s legacy as a literary icon and fearless activist will forever be etched into the records of African literature, and her words serving as a beacon of light for generations to come.Her passing is a loss not only for Ghana and Africa but for the entire literary world.
Her memory will forever be cherished, her works cherished, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she inspired. Rest in power, Ama Ata Aidoo, for you have left an indelible mark on the world.
-Businessday
Entertainment
VeryDarkMan wants Portable arrested over viral assault video
VeryDarkMan wants Portable arrested over viral assault video
Popular social media activist VeryDarkMan has demanded the arrest of controversial street-pop singer Portable following an assault captured in a viral video.
The incident occurred during the Felabration event in Lagos, where Portable and his associates were seen attacking a man, sparking outrage online.
According to a report by Within Nigeria, the footage shows Portable and his crew physically assaulting the victim, leading to widespread condemnation.
In response to the shocking footage, VeryDarkMan took to Instagram to express his dismay.
Imagine what Portable did to this helpless guy. Is this fair? Why is he treating him like an animal? Is this even right?” he said in part.
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After reaching out to the victim, VeryDarkMan provided an update on the situation, revealing that the man had been hospitalized due to severe injuries sustained during the attack.
“The guy you beat is seriously injured and is in the hospital. The bill is over N700,000. He broke his hand and leg.
“The guy told me that he is scared of his safety. I will write a petition about this. Except if there’s no law in this country, then you will go unpunished. You think you can abuse power because you are a celebrity,? he added.
Netizens Reactions…
foreverjameelah said: “Over 700k for what 😂😂😂.”
adewole_arafat said: “This is what mohbad went through 😢.”
abiola.balogun.71697 said: The guy get accidental 😂😂😂😂.”
official_youngpop said: “Is time for portable to learn the hard way.”
tomideakinnibosun said: “The latest Sammy Larry is portable.”
mumboiz1 said: “Shey Portable use iron nack am ni…😂😂 Why dem come bandage am like this? 700plus,make una calm down dey lie na.. 😂😂😂
__ayohorlla__‘ said: “Portable nah Dajuma second 😢.”
See below;
Video: Verydarkman show a video of the guy Portable beat up 🤕 and putting the hospital. Says he will follow up the case and write a pettition against portable pic.twitter.com/WJXIJoLZEV
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) October 22, 2024
VeryDarkMan wants Portable arrested over viral assault video
Entertainment
Halima Abubakar slams AGN President with N30bn lawsuit
Halima Abubakar slams AGN President with N30bn lawsuit
Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has filed a lawsuit against the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, seeking N30 billion in damages.
This legal move follows an incident on October 17, 2024, when the AGN, through Rollas’ social media handle, announced Abubakar’s indefinite suspension from the guild.
The statement accused Abubakar of being responsible for spreading defamatory information about AGN members, particularly rumors of extramarital affairs involving prominent individuals linked to the entertainment industry.
In response, Halima Abubakar expressed her shock at the accusations, stating that she had never been contacted by the AGN or given an opportunity to respond to the claims before seeing news of her suspension circulating on social media.
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In a letter dated October 20, 2024, Abubakar’s legal representatives, P.D. Pius & Associates, condemned the AGN President’s actions, accusing him of deliberately tarnishing her reputation. The letter emphasized that the false narrative was intended to “denigrate her, cast aspersions on her, and stir up social opprobrium.”
The letter further stated, “Our client has been battling health issues for years, and despite maintaining a professional relationship, you chose this delicate moment during her recovery to spread a negative and false narrative. This has caused her emotional and psychological distress and harmed her reputation among right-thinking members of society.”
The solicitors demanded the immediate removal of the defamatory publication and an unreserved public apology on Rollas’ Instagram page. Additionally, they demanded N30 billion in damages for reputational harm.
The letter concluded with a warning: “Unless these demands are met within seven days, we are instructed by our client to pursue appropriate legal action.”
Halima Abubakar slams AGN President with N30bn lawsuit
Entertainment
Professional misconduct: AGN suspends actress Halima Abubakar
Professional misconduct: AGN suspends actress Halima Abubakar
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has suspended actress Halima Abubakar due to allegations of professional misconduct.
According to the AGN, Abubakar was found to be involved in activities deemed to be damaging to the reputation of Nollywood after a two-year undercover investigation.
In a statement released on Friday, the Guild confirmed her suspension and revealed that several other female members are currently under investigation.
This includes those mentioned in recent reports linking individuals to alleged dealings with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with the Guild’s secret panel continuing its inquiry.
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The Guild said it found the actress “guilty of spreading false information about fellow colleagues, associates, and patrons, including allegations of extramarital affairs with highly placed individuals”.
“Following the thorough investigative report by the Special Secret Investigation Panel set up to conduct an underground investigation into the activities of some blogs/bloggers since 2022.
“After two years of the investigations, the Panel found out that Miss Halima Abubakar was behind all the slandering information.
“Therefore, Halima Abubakar is hereby placed on indefinite suspension. She will face the National Disciplinary Committee to determine full punishment. And she’s not permitted to participate in any AGN and filming activities.
“However, some female members on the watch-list are being investigated by the secret panel, especially in the release of names purported to have had dealings with the Senate President.”
Professional misconduct: AGN suspends actress Halima Abubakar
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